Recipe:
The classic summer potluck broccoli salad gets a healthier spin with lots of glow-boosting nutrients.
Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production to renew skin. Silken tofu serves as a substitute for mayo to create a creamy dressing that is high in protein to aid in collagen renewal. Carrots supply beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gets converted to vitamin A in the body, which helps to keep skin soft and smooth.
Sweet and chewy dried cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which help strengthen and stabilize the collagen matrix. And walnuts provide a nutty crunch as well as a healthy dose of skin-friendly omega-3 fatty acids and L-arginine, an amino acid that can help boost circulation to skin, creating a healthy glow.
Ingredients:
For the salad:
2 large heads broccoli, cut into florets and steamed
1 cup shredded carrots
1⁄4 cup dried cherries
1⁄4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons minced red onion
For the creamy tofu “mayo” dressing:
12 oz silken tofu
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cherries, walnuts, and red onion.
In a blender, blend together all dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and mix well to combine.
Yields: 4 servings
Per serving: 145 calories, 7.3 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates, 3.1 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 7.3 g fat, 0.8 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 349 mg sodium, 106 mg calcium, 0.8 g omega-3 fats, 2645 IU vitamin A, 57.3 mg vitamin C, 0.1 mg vitamin E, 1.6 mg iron, 0.5 mg zinc